As a company who lives and breathes soy wax candles, a commonly asked question we get is “What is the difference between soy and paraffin wax?”
This is a fair question, because to the average eye, these two candles can look exactly the same, and appear to burn the same as well. In reality, there is quite the difference between the two!
We’ve broken down the differences in the hopes of clearing things up. Check out the chart and explanations below!
| Soy Wax Candles |
Paraffin Wax Candles
|
|
|
Cost
|
Moderate
|
Low
|
|
Scent Throw
|
Varies
|
High
|
|
Composition
|
Soybeans
|
By-product of petroleum
|
|
Burn time
|
Longer
|
Shorter
|
|
Renewability
|
High
|
Low
|
|
Smoke toxicity
|
Low
|
Low-Moderate
|
|
Soot levels
|
Low
|
Moderate
|
|
Biodegradable
|
Yes
|
No
|
Cost
Soy wax candles usually cost more than paraffin wax candles. This is because soy wax, which is made from a renewable resource (soybeans), is more expensive for companies to purchase than paraffin wax, which is a by-product of mass produced petroleum.
Scent Throw
Soy wax is typically denser than paraffin wax, which means it requires more time and more heat to melt and release its fragrance into the air. This may be why some paraffin candles smell ‘stronger’ than soy candles. In reality, both can be carrying the same amount of fragrance oil, they just release it into the air at different times. It is also worth noting that some fragrance oils have a softer scent profile while others are stronger.
Composition
Soy wax is made from soybeans which have been compressed into flakes and then melted into oil. Paraffin wax is made up of hydrocarbons, and is a by-product of petroleum refining.
Burn time
Soy wax is denser than paraffin wax and takes longer to burn.
Renewability
Soybeans are a renewable resource, they can be regrown after they are harvested. Petroleum by-product, on the other hand, comes from a non-renewable fossil fuel.
Smoke toxicity
Breathing in any type of smoke can be potentially harmful to your health. However, the smoke fumes from a paraffin candle may be more harmful than those from a soy wax candle. The chemicals in paraffin candles may release into the air when the candle is lit, irritating the lungs and triggering asthma or allergies in some people.
Soot levels
Both soy and paraffin wax candles can produce soot, especially if you don’t trim your candle wick. However, paraffin candles tend to produce more soot due to the chemical profile of the candle.
Biodegradable
Soy wax is biodegradable because it is made up of soybean, a plant. The chemical composition of paraffin wax candles cannot be broken down naturally.
